Bell Tower. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

The Tangzha historic and cultural block in Nantong, Jiangsu province, stands as a testament to a unique blend of industry, transportation, water conservancy, culture, education, and dwellings that have evolved over a century.

Over the course of its 100 years of development, Tangzha has succeeded in preserving its core of industrial remnants.

A street at the Tangzha historic and cultural block is lined with antique-style stores. [Photo/WeChat account: chongchuanonline]

The Bell Tower not only serves as the iconic symbol of Dasheng Cotton Mills, but also stands as the defining landmark building of Tangzha. Constructed in 1915, the tower measures 17.6 meters high and played a pivotal role in the daily schedule and lives of mill workers. The Official Affairs Office, a two-story wooden structure, serves as the administration building for the mills' management institution.

Ancient Tangzha Town, where the industrial block is located, boasts picturesque scenery and a wide variety of intangible cultural heritage items, such as sugar paintings and palm fiber weavings. Tourists visiting the area not only have the opportunity to admire these time-honored handicrafts but can also try their hand at replicating the traditional crafts themselves.